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Training & Witnessing

“A lack of knowledge creates fear but to seek knowledge creates courage”

George Bernard Shaw

Deer stalking certificate (dsc1)

DSC1 Training Course

All courses are run by BASC

Cost – £335 for BASC members 

The Deer Stalking Certificate (DSC1) is a four-day course designed for any shooters who have recently taken up stalking and are seeking further advice and guidance.

The course will provide an insight into, and a wider understanding of, deer stalking techniques and deer management.

South East Course Dates

Wadhurst 9-11th April 2026 – **Fully Booked**
Worthing 14-17th May – **Fully Booked**
Wadhurts 25-28th June – Available
Wadhurst 17-20 Sep – Available
Worthing 1-4th Oct – Available

Those completing the course successfully will be awarded the Deer Management Qualifications, Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and the large game theory element of DMQ Wild Game Meat Hygiene.

To gain full Large Game Trained Hunter status to meet the Food Hygiene Regulations 2004, individuals will need to undertake the DSC2 after successful completion of DSC1.

Deer stalking certificate (dsc2)

DMQ strongly recommends that candidates obtain sufficient practical experience under the guidance of a competent person before registering for DSC2 or considers some of the preparatory training provided by some Assessment Centers for DSC2.
Candidates are also advised to consult the Best Practice Guides  issued for England and Wales or the Best practice Guides for Scotland, depending on where you live or stalk.”

DSC2 Preparation Course

Cost – £150

This DSC2 preparation course is designed to remove uncertainty and make the standard clear. If you are reading the criteria and thinking, “I get it, but I’m not sure what it looks like on a real assessment”, this session is for you.

It is a focused half day, delivered in a classroom setting, either one to one or in a small group. We work through the four elements and all 26 ICR criteria in a structured way, with the emphasis on what assessors actually expect to see and hear, not just what people assume is required.

You will leave with a clearer sense of readiness, the common pitfalls to avoid, and a straightforward plan for tightening up the areas that typically catch candidates out. With an indepth understanding of each element, the:

  • Plan & Stalk

  • Culling

  • Prepare & Inspection

  • Transport & Storing

As an Approved Witness & A BASC Assessor I am frequently approached by prospective candidates interested in enrolling for their DSC Level 2. Many express uncertainty about their readiness for the certification, often feeling overwhelmed by the requirements or unsure about their level of competence due to lack of previous assessments.

“We aim to change that perspective”

Practical DSC2 ICR Training Course

Cost – £125

The Practical ICR Course builds directly on the foundation of the DSC2 Preparation Course. This session is a true “dry run” of the Individual Cull Record (ICR), allowing for full interaction between the learner and assessor throughout each phase. It provides an opportunity to ask questions, identify potential errors, and refine performance before undertaking the formal DSC2 ICR assessment.

Conducted entirely in the field, this practical course focuses on applying and demonstrating the four key elements of the ICR under realistic conditions:

During the course, we cover in practice:

  • Plan & Stalk – preparation, planning, safety, and ethical considerations before the stalk

  • Culling – approach, shot placement, follow up and fieldcraft in real stalking scenarios

  • Prepare & Inspection – demonstrating hygiene, accuracy, notifiable diseases and best practice

  • Transport & Lardering – carcass handling, traceability, and presentation to FSA standard

Each stage is observed and reviewed in real time, with professional feedback and mentoring to fine-tune your approach. The result is a confident, well-prepared candidate ready to complete the live DSC2 assessment to a high standard.

Note – This is entirly a practical field base course

“At Deer Management Services, I love helping people build their skills and confidence out in the field. Whether you’re completely new, brushing up on existing knowledge, or just keen to tap into the experience I’ve gained over the years, I’ll meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be.

My approach is relaxed but thorough — practical, hands-on learning in real situations. I focus on helping you understand why things matter as much as how to do them, so you leave not just more capable, but genuinely confident in your own ability.”


Approved Witnessing

As a DMQ Approved Witness candidates can arrange an ICR outing with myself for an accompanied witnessed stalk.

      Either
  • On my ground (Sussex Area)
  • On your own ground
  • Cost £125 

 

“I believe your Level 2 experience should be a memorable, relaxed and most importantly an enjoyable experience”

Please get in touch to discuss availability for a witnessed stalk or if there is anything else we can help you with in achieving your DSC Level 2

DMQ Approved Witness

BASC - DSC2 Assessor

Advice & Help

Just some of the things covered

Gralloch – Learning how to implement the gralloch, be it a ground, suspended or a hill gralloch in an efficient and hygienic manner to cope with any circumstances or terrain you may find yourself in.

Pre Mortem Inspection – What to look for before you cull a deer

Post Mortem Inspection – Inspection of the grolloch, pluck and carcass after Evisceration. The correct identification & location of the required lymph glands, inspection of these and what to look for in diseased animals.

Notifiable Diseases – What to look for and what to do if you find a notifiable disease

Ballistics – Identification & advice of a suitable ammunition in regards to the calibre of rifle and zero range.

Reloading – Training & advise on all aspects of reloading. First timer to experienced, setup, preparation to load development.

Land Assessment – Assessing new land to stalk and shoot effectively and safely

Firearms Assessment – Firearms assessment including shooting techniques, maintenance & safety – help on deciding the best calibre

Mentoring – Registered with Sussex Police as a “Mentor” I am able to offer mentorship in assistance with your FEO requirments.

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